During his visit, Go encouraged the affected families to remain hopeful despite their loss.
“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang lagi ko pong sinasabi, ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera, kikitain n’yo ‘yan kung magsusumikap lang tayo. Pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay,” said Go.
As the country observes Fire Prevention Month this March, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, the senator highlighted the importance of vigilance, especially during the dry season when fire incidents are more prevalent.
With this, Go also underscored the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems. He highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. Go cited the law as instrumental in improving the capability of fire personnel to respond to emergencies.
This Act mandates a comprehensive ten-year modernization plan to equip the bureau with advanced capabilities for fire response through increased firefighter recruitment, acquisition of modern fire equipment, and specialized training.
In addition, the senator then reiterated his continued push for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response measures. He is the principal author and co-sponsor of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide.
A total of 231 affected families received assistance during the distribution conducted at Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Brgy. Hall. The activity was carried out in coordination with Barangay Kapitan Tomas Monteverde officials, led by Barangay Captain Robert Diaz.
During the distribution, Go’s team provided grocery packs, vitamins, water containers, shirts, balls, and foldable fans to all beneficiaries. Each family also received financial assistance to help them cope with the immediate impact of the fire.
Additional items were raffled off to select beneficiaries, including shoes, a watch, a bicycle, and a mobile phone.
The senator also acknowledged the efforts of national government agencies conducting on-site assessments to ensure that affected families receive adequate support.
Senator Go also bought banana cues during his visit, emphasizing to support the local vendors.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go underscored the importance of accessible healthcare services for Filipinos.
“Napakahalaga po sa akin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang Malasakit Center, para po ‘yan sa Pilipino—inyo po ‘yan, karapatan po ‘yan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops that help indigent patients reduce their hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In Davao City, a Malasakit Center is located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
“Asahan niyo po, bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyo, mga kababayan ko. Huwag po nating kalimutang magpasalamat sa Panginoon,” Go concluded.